BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
True that water hygiene is a critical aspect of public health that involves the maintenance of safe and clean water sources, as well as the prevention of waterborne diseases. Access to clean water is essential for human survival, and ensuring its hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of water-related illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery, among others.
One of the most important aspects of water hygiene is the proper treatment of water sources. Water treatment involves the use of various techniques to remove contaminants from water, including physical, chemical, and biological processes. Physical treatment methods include sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, while chemical treatment involves the use of chemicals such as chlorine to kill microorganisms. Biological treatment methods use microorganisms to break down contaminants in the water. In addition to treatment, proper storage and distribution of water are also crucial for maintaining water hygiene. Water storage tanks and distribution systems should be regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other pathogens. Water storage containers used in households should also be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.
In many parts of the world, access to safe and clean water is still a significant challenge. Lack of access to clean water sources often results in the spread of waterborne diseases, which can have devastating effects on public health. Governments and international organizations need to work together to ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean water sources. In areas where access to clean water is limited, alternative water sources may be used. However, these sources should be treated and tested regularly to ensure their safety. Rainwater harvesting and groundwater sources may be used as an alternative to surface water sources, but they should be treated appropriately to remove any contaminants that may be present.
Ethiopia has made significant progress in improving access to clean water for its citizens in recent years. Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, access to safe and clean water has remained a challenge in Ethiopia for many years. However, the government and international organizations have made significant efforts in addressing this issue, leading to significant improvements in clean water access. According to a report by the Joint Monitoring Program, the percentage of Ethiopians with access to basic water services increased from 48% in 2000 to 68% in 2015. This progress has been attributed to the government’s commitment to providing clean water to its citizens, as well as the support of international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
One of the strategies that the Ethiopian government has implemented to improve access to clean water is the construction of new water supply systems. The government has invested heavily in building new water supply systems in rural and urban areas, which has significantly increased access to clean water. In addition, the government has also supported the rehabilitation of existing water supply systems to improve their efficiency and functionality. Another significant effort by the Ethiopian government is the implementation of the One WASH National Program. This program aims to improve access to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services in the country.
The program has been successful in increasing access to clean water, particularly in rural areas, where access to water was previously very limited. International organizations, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization, (WHO) and USAID, have also played a critical role in improving access to clean water in Ethiopia. These organizations have provided technical and financial support to the government, as well as working with local communities to implement water and sanitation projects.
Community participation has been a crucial aspect of Ethiopia’s efforts to improve access to clean water. The government has encouraged communities to participate in the planning and implementation of water and sanitation projects, which has helped to ensure that these projects are sustainable and meet the needs of the local population. In addition, the government has also provided training and support to local communities to help them manage and maintain water supply systems. Despite these significant improvements, access to clean water remains a challenge in some parts of Ethiopia, particularly in remote and rural areas. The government and international organizations should keep on work hard towards improving access to clean water in these areas, through the construction of new water supply systems, rehabilitation of existing systems, and community-based approaches.
In my view, the Ethiopian government and local communities should enhance effort ensure access of clean water to all. The two have a critical role to play in improving access to clean water in fostering community participation: Local communities should be involved in the planning and implementation of water and sanitation projects. This can help to ensure that projects are designed to meet the needs of the local population and are sustainable in the long term. Communities can also provide valuable insights into local water sources, which can help to identify appropriate water supply systems. Second beefing up education and awareness- raising activities: Education and awareness-raising campaigns can help to promote good hygiene practices and the importance of clean water. The Ethiopian government and local communities can work together to develop educational materials and campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of waterborne diseases and the importance of clean water.
Capacity building: Building the capacity of local communities and government agencies is essential to ensure the sustainability of water and sanitation systems. The government can provide training and support to local communities to help them manage and maintain water supply systems. Capacity building efforts can also include training for government officials to improve water governance and management. Investment in infrastructure: The Ethiopian government can invest in building new water supply systems and rehabilitating existing ones to improve access to clean water. The government can work with local communities to identify appropriate water supply systems and to ensure that they are properly maintained.
Partnership with international organizations: International organizations can provide technical and financial support to the Ethiopian government and local communities to improve access to clean water. The government can work with these organizations to access funding and technical support for water and sanitation projects. International organizations can also provide valuable expertise and knowledge to support capacity building efforts. Water user associations: Water user associations can be established to manage and maintain water supply systems. These associations can be composed of local community members and can be responsible for collecting fees for water use and providing maintenance services.
Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that water and sanitation projects are effective and sustainable. The Ethiopian government can establish monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress towards achieving universal access to clean water. Local communities can also be involved in monitoring and reporting on the functioning of water supply systems. Policy and regulatory framework: The Ethiopian government can establish policies and regulations to ensure the effective management and regulation of water supply systems. This can include regulations for water quality monitoring, water use, and water pricing.
There are several examples of successful water supply systems in Ethiopia that have improved access to clean water for local communities. Here are some examples: The One WASH National Program: The One WASH National Program is a government-led initiative that aims to improve access to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services in Ethiopia. The program has successfully increased access to clean water in rural areas through the construction of new water supply systems and rehabilitation of existing systems.
The Tigray Region Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project: The Project is a World Bank-funded project that aims to improve access to water and sanitation services for rural communities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The project has successfully constructed new water supply systems and rehabilitated existing ones, providing clean water to thousands of people in the region. The Oromia Water and Energy Resource Development Bureau: The Bureau is a government agency responsible for the development of water supply and sanitation systems in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. The agency has successfully implemented several water supply projects in the region, including the construction of new water supply systems and the rehabilitation of existing ones.
The Ethiopian Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project: The Project is a government-led initiative that aims to improve access to clean water and sanitation services in rural areas of Ethiopia. The project has successfully constructed new water supply systems and rehabilitated existing ones, providing clean water to thousands of people in rural areas. The Adama-Arsi Rural Water Supply Project: The Project is a partnership between the Ethiopian government, the African Development Bank, and the local community. The project has successfully constructed a new water supply system to provide clean water to over 150,000 people in the Adama and Arsi regions of Ethiopia.
The Tsehay Rizk Water Supply System: The supply System is a community-based water supply system that provides clean water to over 2,000 people in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. It was developed through a partnership between the local community, the Ethiopian government, and international organizations. The Lalibela Community Water Supply Project: The project is a partnership between the Ethiopian government, UNICEF, and the local community. The project has successfully constructed a new water supply system to provide clean water to over 5,000 people in the historic town of Lalibela.
These successful water supply systems demonstrate the importance of community participation, government leadership, and partnerships with international organizations in improving access to clean water in Ethiopia. By continuing to invest in these systems and replicating successful models, Ethiopia can continue to make progress towards achieving universal access to clean water.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 24 MAY 2023
